National briefs

Regional independent MP
Tony Windsor
said yesterday he was inclined to reject the Gillard government’s flood levy, in another sign that Labor is struggling to win the lower house votes it needs to pass the $1.8 billion tax. “I have to say, to be quite honest, that I am not leaning towards it. I am leaning against it," Mr Windsor told ABC TV. Senators
Nick Xenophon
and
Steve Fielding
also have concerns about the levy.

David Crowe

The federal government has disregarded independent advice from the National Competition Council and certified the Western Australian Rail Access Regime an “effective access regime". The NCC recommended against certifying the regime. Certification ensures a nationally consistent approach to regulating access to significant infrastructure. John Kehoe

Queensland Premier
Anna Bligh
will take on the new portfolio overseeing the Reconstruction Authority to rebuild the state. Opposition Leader
John-Paul Langbroek
, said it was too big a task to be juggled with the job of Premier. AAP